The biblical meaning of the resurrection is a transformation from death to new life. With the crucifixion and death of Jesus he was simultaneously raised up to new life. The disciples experienced a presence of Jesus who is alive. Resurrection is not just a return to life as it was, not just the resuscitation of a corpse. It is not just the ongoing existence of an immortal soul. Resurrection is new life beyond time and space but, as we see in Jesus, with a continuity of personhood. Resurrection is also the symbol of a transformation of the disciples who experienced new life flowing from the presence of God in the risen Christ. Paul is transformed from a persecutor to an apostle; the disciples are transformed into men and women imbued with the Spirit of Jesus and ready to share the message and mission of Jesus.
Jesus lives as the first fruits of a resurrection which is promised to all those who belong to him. New life is now the reality for all believers, as Paul seems to indicate when he says in 1 Corinthians 15: 12 – 19 that there is a direct relationship between the resurrection of Jesus and our resurrection. In an emerging universe, the resurrection of Jesus is the presence of God unfolding from within Jesus and giving him a new depth of life with God. Resurrection is the extravagant love of God which transforms the whole individual person of Jesus of Nazareth as well as ourselves with the final blossoming of a new depth of consciousness. Resurrection is the presence of God unfolding within each and every individual person, and therefore it is also a new inner relationship with God.
Cletus Wessels
Jesus in the New Universe Story p.109
"All we need to do now is to meditate on this presence of the Risen Lord, who will reveal to us a universe that is utterly free, totally penetrated by the Spirit, and energised by Love. Wherever we are, whatever we are living today, may we make a new start, so that this day will not be the same as yesterday. May we have the will to stir ourselves, so that moment by moment, our lives may become more beautiful, more radiant, more selfless; so that through this gift, the whole universe may become an offertory."
Maurice Zundel
Ta Parole Comme Une Source p.324
